The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has revealed the development of an Online Record Management System (ORMS) which is set to commence in 2024.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said this will transform and improve record management across the public sectors in the country.
The constitutional Right to Information provided under Article 21 of the constitution enabling citizens’ official right to information held by the government has been enhanced by the development of the ORMS.
The Online Record Management System is a unique platform that has been developed under section 18 of the RTI Act and is, meant to serve as a channel for RTI requests as well as enable applicants to easily apply for information online.
The Access to Information Division of the Information Service Department in consultation with the Right to Information Commission developed the Online Record Management System to aid information officers in managing records.
Speaking at the public forum on Wednesday, December 13 on the implementation of the RTI Law to discuss the problems, challenges, and opportunities, the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah revealed that about three hundred and fifty RTI offices have been established across the country.
He added that some significant successes have been achieved by the Right to Information Commission.
Highlighting the progress of the Right to Information (RTI) law, Mr. Nkrumah said over 500 information units have been established in public institutions, ensuring trained information officers are available to address requests.
He mentioned that the ongoing training and capacity building have led to a good level of understanding and compliance adding that by the end of 2022, more than 1000 information requests were received, with the majority granted.
“Public education and sensitization are also on the rise, following several campaigns and public forums by the RTI Commission, the KTID, civil society groups and other institutions. Number 5, the quick setup of the RTI Commission and its effectiveness in resolving complaints is a major point of success for us.”
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah served a notice that information is now a right that should be made available on proper request while stressing the need for the legislative instrument of the RTI Act to be passed into law.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah addressed challenges faced by public institutions in embracing the Right To Information (RTI) law due to a culture of secrecy.
The law is crucial in granting individuals, journalists, and students the right to access information. He noted that delay in passing the legislative instrument, necessary for detailing nuances of the law, has hindered complete implementation.
According to the information minister, stakeholder engagement has been prioritized to ensure thoroughness in the process, and the hope is to have the legislative instrument laid out in the next parliamentary session.
He added that efforts are also being made to fully utilize the online records management system by 2024, and there are plans to establish more functional information units in public institutions to ensure effective implementation of the law across the government.
Source: Flora Tang/ATLFMNEWS
